AutoTrader SCORE
-
STYLING8/10
-
Safety9/10
-
PRACTICALITY8/10
-
USER-FRIENDLINESS9/10
-
FEATURES8/10
-
POWER8/10
-
COMFORT9/10
-
DRIVING FEEL9/10
-
FUEL ECONOMY9/10
-
VALUE7/10
Available in Canada after previously being offered only in the United States, the hybrid version of Honda’s popular CR-V is built to take on key rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
But while those crossovers — along with the Ford Escape — are sold as hybrids in a full range of trims, Honda places this one at the top of the lineup. That means the cheapest version of the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid is the EX-L trim tested here that’s nearly $50,000 before tax.
Styling: 8/10
The CR-V Hybrid sports a stylish and squared-off look, with the EX-L riding on 18-inch wheels and the Touring on 19-inch alloys, which look cool but can lead to a harsher ride and cost more to replace. The EX-L lacks the roof rails on the Touring, but both have a standard power sunroof.
The cabin is more functional than fancy, but that’s not a knock against it; everything is straightforward and easy to use. I especially like the honeycomb pattern that hides the air vents, with joysticks to direct them. It’s a subtle touch, but it’s a styling highlight.
Safety: 9/10
The United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid its top five-star rating. The non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded a Top Safety Pick to the 2024 version, including the top “Good” in the updated side impact test that better simulates being struck by a large SUV. However, there’s an updated front crash that now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger as well as to those in the front. It isn’t part of the Top Safety Pick requirements yet, but while the CR-V scored “Good” in the original test without a rear passenger, it ranked “Poor” in the updated version.
Standard driver-assist technologies on all CR-V trims, gas or hybrid, include adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, along with the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles.
Features: 8/10
The all-new CR-V Hybrid only came in a top-line Touring when introduced for 2023; the following year, the slightly cheaper EX-L tester was added. Features in this tester include a nine-inch centre touchscreen, seven-inch digital instrument display, wireless charger, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory, walk-away door locks, a power tailgate, and wiper de-icer. Moving up to the Touring further adds rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free tailgate, rear camera washer, premium audio, and navigation.
User-Friendliness: 9/10
Simple controls help reduce distraction, and that’s how the CR-V rolls. There are buttons and dials for most of the functions, including the climate control, heated seats, and drive modes. The touchscreen has simple icons, along with hard buttons to bring up the menu and some functions, and a dial for stereo volume. The controls on the steering wheel are equally easy to use.
Practicality: 8/10
At 1,028 L of cargo space with the rear seats up, the CR-V Hybrid is about mid-pack with rivals. It’s topped by contenders such as the Toyota RAV4 at 1,059 L, and the Hyundai Tucson at 1,097 L. Those differences aren’t especially significant — for reference, the Civic sedan has 419 L of space in the trunk — but they’re noteworthy for those trying to maximize hauling potential.
Gas-only CR-V models have a dual-height cargo floor, but the hybrid model’s doesn’t move due to the battery’s placement. Even so, the hybrid can handle a lot of stuff, and it’s easy to load with its low liftover and wide tailgate opening. Towing capacity for the hybrid is a maximum of 453 kg (1,000 lb), light among some rivals that can handle twice that.
Comfort: 9/10
I took the CR-V Hybrid on a four-hour drive, and the seats remained supportive and comfortable throughout. The heated rear seats are a nice touch for passengers back there, although no trims include ventilated front seats. The cabin is quiet and the ride is smooth, too.
Power: 8/10
The CR-V Hybrid is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, one for propulsion and the other for energy regeneration. The gas-electric system makes 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque combined, and automatically switches between gasoline, electricity, or both, depending on driving conditions.
The engine’s a bit gruff but not unbearable, and the CR-V is peppy and has no trouble keeping up with traffic, including passing at highway speeds. The automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) works well. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, but unlike some hybrids that use a rear-mounted electric motor, the CR-V uses a mechanical connection as gas-only vehicles do. The battery self-charges with regenerative braking, and paddles on the steering wheel can be used to increase or decrease the rate, which in turn slows the CR-V sooner or lets it coast longer.
Driving Feel: 9/10
The CR-V Hybrid proved itself on my trip, where it smoothly and effortlessly ate up long stretches of highway. In city traffic, its steering is on the light side but not unbearably so, making it easy to swing around tight corners and into parking spots. It weighs more than the gasoline-only version but feels solid rather than heavy.
Fuel Economy: 9/10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) officially rates the 2025 CR-V Hybrid at 6.0 L/100 km in the city, 6.9 on the highway, and 6.4 combined. In my week with it, I averaged 6.7 L/100 km. It takes regular-grade gasoline.
It's in line with its rivals, where the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid matches its 6.4 combined; the Kia Sportage Hybrid is rated at 6.2; and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid comes in at 6.0.
Value: 7/10
The CR-V Hybrid only came in the highest Touring trim when it debuted, and adding the EX-L below it was a welcome addition, but these gas-electric versions are still at the top of the lineup. The gas-only CR-V runs from $37,725 to $44,125; while the EX-L Hybrid is $49,325 and the Touring is $51,825.
Among its hybrid rivals, the Hyundai Tucson ranges from $45,149 to $49,149; the Kia Sportage from $40,195 to $45,895; and the Toyota RAV4 from $37,880 to $48,880 (all prices including delivery). Adding the EX-L helped, but offering the CR-V Hybrid in an even lower trim might convince more people to go the gas-electric route in this popular crossover.
The Verdict
The Honda CR-V comes by its popularity honestly, and the hybrid steps that up a notch with its fuel efficiency. It’s not inexpensive, so when you are cross-shopping, put it up against rivals with similar trim levels and features to see what you get. The best vehicle is always the right one for you.
| Engine Displacement | 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Hybrid I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 204 net hp |
| Peak Torque | 247 net lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | 6.0 / 6.9 / 6.4 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb |
| Cargo Space | 1,028 / 2,030 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid EX-L |
| Base Price | $47,325 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,000 |
| Price as Tested | $49,911 |
|
Optional Equipment
$486 — Protection package, $486
|
|
You may also like
